At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver people strategies to enhance business performance and employee engagement.
- Company: Join MacTaggart Scott, a leader in the Naval Defence industry with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, comprehensive leave policies, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a focus on health and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving organisational effectiveness and fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR Business Partner roles, strong relationship-building, and analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Location: On site- Loanhead, Edinburgh
Flexible Working Options: 4- or 5-day week
Contract Type: Permanent
Join Our Team: We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused HR Business Partner to join our HR team at MacTaggart Scott. This is a key strategic and operational role, partnering closely with leaders and managers across the business to align people strategies with organisational objectives and support the continued growth and success of the company. This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive HR professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and enjoys balancing strategic business partnering with hands‑on operational HR leadership.
You will play a central role in driving organisational effectiveness, strengthening leadership capability, improving employee engagement, and supporting the development of high‑performing teams across the business. Based on site at our Loanhead facility, this role would suit someone who is confident building strong relationships, influencing decision‑making, and managing a broad range of complex HR activity with professionalism, commercial awareness, and initiative.
About Us: MacTaggart Scott primarily supports the Naval Defence industry, providing complete solutions to customer needs from analysis of initial customer requirements, to design and manufacture, and right through to commissioning and through life support. Established in 1898, we are proud of our history and tradition but believe that sustainable competitive advantage can only be achieved through continuous improvement, investment, and a commitment to business excellence at every level within the company.
What is the job about? As our HR Business Partner, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering people strategies that support business performance, employee engagement, and organisational growth across MacTaggart Scott. Partnering closely with leaders and managers, you will provide commercially focused HR support across areas including employee relations, organisational development, workforce planning, talent management, and leadership development. This is a varied and influential role where you will combine strategic business partnering with hands‑on HR leadership, while supporting and developing HR Co‑ordinators to ensure the effective delivery of operational HR services. Success in the role will come from your ability to build strong relationships, influence stakeholders, and deliver practical people solutions that drive organisational effectiveness and support a positive working culture.
Key Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Partner with leaders and managers to deliver people strategies aligned to business objectives and organisational performance
- Provide expert HR advice and coaching across employee relations, performance management, organisational change, and workforce planning
- Lead and manage complex employee relations cases, ensuring consistency, fairness, and legal compliance
- Support organisational development initiatives including succession planning, talent management, leadership capability, and employee development
- Drive employee engagement, wellbeing, and culture initiatives to support a positive and inclusive working environment
- Line manage and develop HR Advisors and/or HR Co‑ordinators, ensuring effective delivery of operational HR services
- Oversee recruitment and onboarding activities to support workforce capability and business growth
- Use HR data, workforce insights, and people metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
- Support the continuous improvement of HR policies, processes, and practices in line with employment legislation and business needs
About You: Proven experience in an HR Business Partner or Senior HR Advisory role ideally in an engineering or manufacturing environment. Strong employee relations experience, with confidence managing complex HR casework. Experience supporting organisational development, workforce planning, and people development initiatives. Commercially focused with the ability to influence and build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation. Strong coaching, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with minimal supervision. Proactive and solutions‑focused approach with strong professional judgement and confidentiality. Strong analytical skills with experience using HR data and workforce metrics to support decision‑making. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Desirable: CIPD Level 5 qualified or equivalent experience. Change management experience. Experience within defence, naval, engineering, or manufacturing sectors. Experience leading organisational development initiatives. Experience supporting leadership development, succession planning, and organisational change.
Your future at MacTaggart Scott – What we offer: As part of our Healthy Work‑Life Balance, employees can choose between a 4‑ or 5‑day working week. Flexible working hours between 07:00 and 19:00, with core hours of 09:30 – 15:30. A comprehensive leave policy including annual leave, paid parental leave, and military reservist leave. A supportive and engaging environment with opportunities to grow your career. Access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme, Employee Assistance Programme, and onsite nurse. Onsite canteen, free parking, and cycle‑to‑work scheme. Generous company pension plan, employee discounts, and free flu vaccinations. Life insurance, sick pay, and a strong focus on health and wellbeing.
HR Business Partner in Midlothian employer: MacTaggart Scott
MacTaggart Scott is an exceptional employer located in Loanhead, Edinburgh, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working options, a comprehensive benefits package, and a strong commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a historic company that values continuous improvement and invests in the development of its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner in Midlothian
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the HR field, especially those who work at MacTaggart Scott. Attend industry events or join online forums to make those valuable connections that could lead to your dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Understand how they align with your own experiences and be ready to share specific examples of how you can contribute to their goals as an HR Business Partner.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills during the interview! Be ready to discuss your experience with employee relations and organisational development. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate how you've successfully managed complex HR cases in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team at MacTaggart Scott.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner in Midlothian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and organisational development, as these are key areas for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at MacTaggart Scott. Mention how your proactive approach and commercial focus align with our goals and values.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders. We value those who can connect with leaders and managers, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacTaggart Scott
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand MacTaggart Scott's business model and how HR strategies align with their objectives. Familiarise yourself with their work in the Naval Defence industry and think about how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As an HR Business Partner, building strong relationships is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders and managed complex HR cases. Be ready to discuss your approach to coaching leaders and fostering a positive working culture.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to manage employee relations or lead organisational development initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
MacTaggart Scott values data-driven decision-making. Be prepared to discuss how you've used HR metrics to identify trends and improve processes. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful outcomes in previous roles.
